Working Directly With A Company vs. PR Firms

Update:  Blogging has changed so much since I started and since I wrote this post!  Nowadays you still have PR companies that broker relationships between the company and the blogger.  Some of these companies are now run by the bloggers themselves. Again, I say that some of these organizations are good and reputable, but others are there just to exploit new bloggers and make as much money off of them as possible, without giving the blogger much of a chance.  I hope bloggers are aware that they can dictate what they are worth and that content is still king!  
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I've been happily doing reviews and giveaways on my blog for a few months now (less than a year still) and have enjoyed most of it.  I have had the chance to work directly with a lot of companies and have also worked with PR firms who represent certain companies.  Let me tell you, folks, from my experience, I prefer working directly with the companies, hands down.  Can I just tell you a few reasons why?

When I work directly with a company, I am not going through a middle man, trying to get me connected to the company through them.  I am able to speak directly with a company employee, who can then expedite my requests immediately.  I am also able to tailor my blog article more specifically to that company's needs, based on my conversations with the company rep.    It's so much more involved to request your review product through a PR Rep.  You generally have to visit the review site, use a separate form to go back and tell the PR Rep and then hope that they go back to the company and get your order correct.  The order usually comes much later than I had hoped.  Mistakes are bound to happen because PR Firms represent multiple companies and it's hard to keep every company's policies and procedures accurate. 

PR Reps are getting paid by the companies that are being reviewed.  They want to get the job done so they can get their payment.  I have found that these companies will promise things to you and not follow through with their verbal/written agreements.  If they can get you to produce a great review, all bets can be off once the review is up and running.  Sadly, I know this through experience.

A great example of working directly with a company is CSNStores.com.  They have PR reps who work directly for CSN and are on their payroll.  They are apparently given a lot of freedom to offer great incentives for bloggers, who can choose to either do a review or a giveaway, depending upon what they would like to do.  They generally don't pay cash for these services, unless you are an affiliate.  I appreciate CSNStores.com because they actually look for blogs who might be interested in doing this.  I was approached by a CSN rep early on in my blogging experience.  They asked me if I'd like to do a giveaway and they told me that it would help drive traffic to my site.  I was SO excited that CSN would have the faith in me and my new blog to let me host a giveaway!  It really validated me as a blogger and yes, it drove traffic to my site!  So, naturally, I am a HUGE fan of CSNStores.com in general.

Another similar online firm who I won't mention by name, has chosen to hire a PR Company.  This PR company who I will not mention either, approached me and asked me to do a review on said anonymous company.  I had actually had experience with this particular online company.  The PR Rep asked me to put up 5 links, for which they would pay me a certain amount per link.  I wrote up the review and submitted it for approval.  I heard nothing.  I again e-mailed and said that the post would not go up until approval and payment.  The PR rep then e-mailed me back telling me the post was perfect and could I add one more link. I did so....and then my mistake.  I put up the post.  (I was just so happy with the post!)  I never heard anything back after that.  So basically, this rep got paid and I got nothing.  I am obviously ticked.  It's not necessarily because I didn't get paid, it's the fact that the PR rep worked me.  I will never work with that PR rep again and not sure if I'll work with that company again.  I will certainly not post ANYTHING until they come up with their end of the bargain, whatever that may be. 

Another example of a PR Firm, although not so dramatic, just annoying--A PR Rep contacts me and we actually put together two reviews and giveaways.  Although it is a much more tedious process to go through this PR Firm and not work directly with the company, it worked out alright.  But then I am asked to do and am assigned several more reviews and giveaways, which I indicated I would do.  I made the appropriate arrangements, etc.  I just never heard back. Kind of nonchalant about the whole thing is what my sense is from this guy. So any schedule planning I might have for giveaways and reviews or any sense of timing is out the window.  Phoooey on that!  I will blow that one off too.

What I have learned through all of this is that I need to come up with a firm set of guidelines myself and stick to them, certainly not give things out before the companies themselves have produced their end.  It's a sad fact of life, you will get worked if you don't protect yourself.  I am a believer that my little piece of the internet, albeit a very small piece, is valuable!  My time is also valuable and I won't be taken advantage of again!  If a company comes to me and asks me to put up a coupon code or do a review, I had better know something about it first with at least a product experience and maybe even some cash for my time.  After all, companies are saving millions of dollars by using bloggers to reach their extensive sphere of influence for comparative pennies. An ultimate goal for some would be to just find the right blog that will do it for nothing! Some bloggers are willing to prostitute their blogs for nothing--a cyberspace wink and pat on the butt is all they need!  It might even get them a couple more followers!  Wow!  And combine that with the million blog hops that are now going on, they could get to 1000 followers easy.  Just cut and paste this - "Hi I'm your newest follower!  Please follow back at http://...."    But I digress.  I have no problem with blog hops when I have the time and interest.  I certainly am not a cut and paste commenter and don't welcome those on my own blog.  (Although, some of the biggest blogs out there are cut and paste blog hop commenters, sorry to say!)

I hope that you have been or will be wiser than I was when dealing with those who approach you with great "opportunities"  to promote them on your blog!  I know I have learned---BIG time!

Hugs,

Helena

Disclaimer: This is just my own opinion and does not reflect all people's experiences.  There are many GREAT PR Firms out there and I've worked with a few of them.  I value them even more!  

$10 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Congratulations to #9, Jackie!  Thanks to all of you for participating and giving me great feedback!  Hugs!

Hello Lovelies!  Just wanted to let you know that I am giving out a $10 Gift Card on August 13th!  It's just a little motivation for some of you to read and make a comment on my newest post, 'Couture Fashion On A Recessionista Budget'.  I'd really appreciate it!  Here are the entries (You must do the first one, the rest are optional):

Target, A Great Place To Shop!

• Take a peek at my article, then make a comment there and come back here to let me know you did!

• Sign up for my e-mail updates!

• Tweet this - "Couture Fashion On A Recessionista Budget! http://tiny.cc/30chf  Win a $10 Gift Card to Target"!

 I will select the winner with Random.org on Friday, August 13th and let the winner know with e-mail!  I will then have the card shipped that weekend!  This is totally my own little incentive giveaway.  Hope you enjoy!  Thanks so much for participating!  Check back here for the winner because I will be posting it here!

Couture Fashion On A Recessionista Budget

Even tho' most of us are more strapped for cash than say, 5 years ago, we don't want to look like it has taken a toll on our fashion sense or the quality we want and need in our fashion items!  So let's take a look at one of the best stores out there for high quality at the best possible prices!  It's called Overstock.com!  Ever heard of it?  It first caught my attention when I kept hearing 'Go For the Big O!'  I thought, "Wow!  I think I'd like the big O.....what is it anyway?"  Thus my awareness of Overstock.com was born.  (Brilliant marketing ploy, I must say!)  I since have learned that they are based in Utah and are one of the brightest and fastest rising stars in the online shopping industry!  Why, you ask?  Because they have great stuff and really great prices!


Now, let's talk fashion!  Your sunglasses are the last things you want to sacrifice quality on.  They are also such personal fashion statements.  This year, many women are choosing aviator sunglasses.  They look good on many kinds of face shapes and are chic and casual.  Here is Julia Roberts sporting a pair!

Julia in her Aviators

You can find a variety of name brand aviators at Overstock.com in the sunglasses area, plus many more styles for a much lower price than you would pay at a retail store.
Womens Shoes are an item where we could be on our last dime before giving up the cute styles that come across the runways each season.  Let's take a look!  First a ridiculously frivolous but adorable shoe that we all secretly would love to wear on a night out on the town with our special someone! 

Charles David, $180

Here is an alternative answer and every bit as stylish shoe found at Overstock.com

'Nine West' Consuela $37.49

Also, if you haven't noticed, Gladiator Sandals have a huge following.  Here is a yellow studded gladiator that could turn heads with a price tag to match!  These are from Jeffrey Campbell, $104.  But here are some adorable studded gladiators  found at Overstock.com.  Guess how much?  Just $27.49!  Good for a summer of fun and at those savings, not a big deal if you wear them out by fall! 

Our men and children deserve great fashion and quality too!  Of course they need our help in that area. Here is a quick example of a practical, no-nonsense ensemble that would be great to outfit our great guys in, all for less than $40.00  So when you order your shoes, you can just throw in this great pair of  casual mens jeans and this shirt. Shipping won't be any more because all orders ship for $2.95! (Ex. AL, HI and Int.)

And look what I found for a sweet little girl!  A Jo Jo Designs Ladybug Baby Girl Outfit!  It's almost half off the price you'd pay at the designer's site!  It's $22.49 compared to $41.99--Adorable!  Find it in the Children's Clothing Section.

I think I've saved a whole lot of buckaroos on this little shopping adventure and for all of that, a token of gratitude and appreciation is in order!  Santa baby, give me a ring!  I've been really good and this one is really pretty! (And only $33.24 in the diamond ring section!)

For those friends and loved ones whom we are not fashionably responsible for, but whom we love nonetheless, check out these lovely gift baskets!

Hugs,
Helena

P.S.  For those of my readers who made it through this post, I have a special surprise.  If you go to Overstock.com and enter this special discount code at checkout, you will receive an additional 10% off your entire order!  The code is:  121728

Casio Exilim EX-Z550 Camera Giveaway!

Drumroll please!  The winner of the Casio Exilim EX-Z550 Camera is #2 Sable!  The winner was chosen through a random number generator, Random.org, and will be notified with e-mail.  You have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected!  Thank you ALL for participating!

The beautiful Casio Exilim EX-Z550 in pink

I'm SO excited to offer this giveaway to my own followers!  I want to extend this to my followers to show you how much I appreciate that little extra effort when you opt to subscribe to or follow my blog.  No one made you, but you did it anyway.  Thanks so very much!

This camera is absolutely beautiful!  It offers a longer 4X Zoom and intelligent modes that offer versatility and simplify photography!  It can record HD video and has YouTube capability. The retail price is $169.  

As you may be aware, Casio offers a wide array of fine products.  I own several of their calculators, all of which are wonderful.  I now also own this very camera and I love it!

So, let's get to the giveaway!  Casio is extremely kind to offer one of my followers a Casio Exilim EX-Z550 in their choice of color!  Please complete the mandy before all other entries!

Mandy:
Visit this page in Casio's on-line catalog and tell me a feature that you like about this camera.  You must also be a follower on Google Friend!

Additional Entries:

+1 Go here and tell me what color camera you'd like!

+1 Go here to tell me what other products Casio offers and which one you're interested in besides the camera!

+1 Sign up for Casio's newsletter!

+3 Sign up for my e-mail updates!

+1 Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway!  (Good for one entry per day)

+1 Tell me how you found my site!

+1 Enter any of my other giveaways and let me know which ones you entered!

+2 Grab my button and post it on your blog!  Leave me the link

+3 Blog, Facebook, Stumble it or Link it up on a linky!  Leave me the link where you did it!  You can do as many of these methods as you'd like for 3 entries each!

Well, I think that is about enough entries, don't you?  This giveaway will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, August 15th MST.  I hope that you have fun entering this giveaway!  I personally hope that someone who really needs this camera will win!  Thank you Casio for this great giveaway! I was given this camera because of a win on another blog and I really needed it.  Joyce at Casio kindly consented to do a giveaway for my blog as well!  Also, thanks to Shauna at Trying To Stay Calm!

Apricot Escapade At A Utah County Park

My husband and I have noticed for several years that a local park in the area has a couple of trees that get loaded with apricots every summer.  They fall to the ground and get stepped on, making a squishy mess underneath the branches.  This year we decided to help the situation.

Early one morning this week, we snuck over went to this park with a ladder, a tarp, a bucket, a rake and our dog.  We spread the tarp under the branches of the tree and Greg started shaking and hitting them with the rake.  As they fell I gathered them up and put them in the bucket.  We did this for about an hour.  Afterwards, we played frisbee with our border collie, Evee!  It was an all-around good time. 

 The work began the next day.   The apricots were washed, pitted but not peeled (hey, more fiber that way), boiled with pectin and sugar, put in jars, lidded and put in the bath.  Since neither of us are canning experts, we under-estimated the amount of apricots that we needed in order to make 12 jars of jam.  We ended up with 8 jars of jam and some left-over apricots to give to some friends.  I even made a batch of freezer spread with a recipe I got over at Tight Wad In Utah.  I actually like the spread better because there is less sugar.  But for those cold winter mornings, there will be nothing better than hot, buttered toast with a glaze of homemade apricot jam!  I'm glad that hubs likes to do this kind of thing with me.  It makes it more enjoyable!

SafeTPet Collar Giveaway

SafeTPet has a great selection of designer collars, for your dog or cat!  Any cat would love to wear one of the exclusive designer kitty collars!

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And any dog would love to sport these yuppie canine collars!
One of their best-selling items are their personalized collars for both cats and dogs!  They are sturdy, high quality, and are responsible for many a happy reunion between owner and pet.  I'm glad that I've got one for my pet.  You can get one for your pet too!  Personalized dog collars are $14.99 and personalized kitty collars are $11.49.   Of course SafeTPets has much more than just collars.  For instance, I love the idea of a food scoop that doubles as a food bag clip!

SafeTPet would like to give away one of their personalized cat or dog collars!  Here is what you can do to get one!


Complete the mandy first: Visit SafeTPet and tell me something they have besides their dog and cat collars.  

Other entries (leave a comment if worth +1, leave multiple comments for entries worth more than one:

+2 Follow me on Twitter! Leave your Tweet handle! 

+1 Tweet out this giveaway! You can copy and paste this: 

#Giveaway for a dog or cat personalized collar w/ your choice of color from http://safetpet.com/ @melahelen http://tiny.cc/j3z5a 8/10/10!   (1 entry each time you tweet.  1X daily)

+1 Do you have a dog or a cat? What do you love about your pet?

+2 Read my review about SafeTPet and leave a comment.  Let me know you did!

+3 Friend me on Facebook and leave me a comment over there! I love those comments!

+3 Grab my button and post it on your blog! 

+2 Follow me on Google Friend (publicly please)!

+2 Follow my RSS Feed with any reader you choose!

This giveaway will close on 8/10/10 at 11:59 pm MST!  Thanks for participating and thanks to SafeTPet for the chance to review and host this giveaway!  The opinions in this blog are mine and are honest and candid.  I was provided a product to sample and review!  Winners are chosen with Random.org!  The winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway here on this post!  Check back to see who won!  

Hugs,

Helena

Just The Right Fit

Have you ever met my dog, Evee?  Let me introduce you to her!  She is our Border Collie.  We got her from an ad in our local paper for $50.  The owners just couldn't handle her in their small twin home with the tiny backyard.  They had great intentions...but she was just too much dog for them, at 10 months old.  She had developed some horrible habits.  She snarled at anyone who approached her, including me when I met her for the first time.  It really unnerved me and I thought I was a seasoned dog lover.  She chased down anything moving in her field of vision, including bikes, scooters, joggers, walkers, bikes and cars.  And she was so energetic that she was a pest.  She always wanted to play with toys and fetch her squeaky ball. 

After much deliberation and going back and forth, we decided to get her.  She was to be the replacement for our beloved dog, Daisy, who passed away from Lymphoma. See my tribute to her here! 

Without going into details, we have had Evee now for about 10 months.  She has really come far with her behavior and maturity.  As she approaches the 2 year old mark, we are so glad that we got her.  One of the big problems she had with her former owners, is that she is so very intelligent.  With all that intelligence and no cognitive stimulation or exercise, a dog is bound to get into some really bad habits.  Since I wanted a dog to encourage me to get out of the house and onto the trails, Evee is a perfect match for me.  We get out everyday and run or walk.  I can't, as of yet, take her to crowded places because she still likes to chase things and people.  But she is getting better.  I have taught her how to catch frisbees and she absolutely loves that.  I feel that with time Evee will mature into the ideal dog that Greg and I were looking for.  

 Finally, a word of advice and caution for all those who are looking to bring a new pet into their lives.  Make sure that you have the  right information about the type of dog you want.  If you can't devote a lot of time to your pet, you don't want to get one.  I know of people who have dogs and who never take them out, even to the bathroom.  I feel so sorry for these animals. Animals deserve care and attention, too.

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Recently, I was introduced to a company that provides specialized pet products.  I was really impressed with the prices and the high quality of their personalized dog collars.  The company is called SafeTPet!  I ordered a personalized dog collar for Evee that I absolutely love.  It is very high quality and has her name and phone number  sewn onto it.   Most I.D collars have metal buckle type fastners and the end of the nylon collar dangles and frays.  These don't. There is no extra material dangling down.  You provide the exact measurements of your dogs neck and it is made to fit!  The site is simple to navigate and I like the large color selection. These I.D. collars are great for agility dogs because they are not allowed to wear metal or dangling tags in the ring!

 

Tame This Frizz--Tropical Traditions Hair Treatment Giveaway!

Congratulations to #119, Matt4Melis!  You will be contacted with e-mail and if you respond in 48 hours, will receive your gift in the mail from Tropical Traditions!

Everyone needs and wants great hair.  Nutrition has a lot to do with it, as well as hormones, humidity, age and styling choices!  Tropical Traditions has taken advantage of its Pure Virgin Coconut Oil and studies such as the one done in India on 3 types of common natural oils used on hair--sunflower, mineral and coconut. Coconut Oil was the only oil found to reduce protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product!  What does that mean for you and me?  It means that using it will make our hair better!  This is the part where I should add a picture of a gorgeous model swishing her perfect hair around her face in slow motion.  Oops, sorry, couldn't find anything for ya!  But I've got something even better!  Tropical Traditions wants to offer one of you a jar of their pure Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair Treatment!  (Wow!  That's a long name!  Oh well, as long as the stuff works, right? Trust me, it does!)  But first, let me tell you that everything you order at Tropical Traditions by midnight tonight is Free Shipping!  Also, you can buy 1 get 1 free of their Certified Organic Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil!  That's just one of the great deals going on right now!  Check them out!
For first time purchasers, please use the referral code 5954910.  You will receive a complimentary copy of the book :Virgin Coconut Oil:  How It Has Changed People's Lives And How It Can Change Yours' with your purchase.  This book includes over 85 recipies using coconut oil and research showing the health benefits of coconut oil! 

Now back to the giveaway!  Please complete the mandatory entry before you do any of the other entries!  This giveaway is open to US Residents, Canadian Residents, bloggers and non-bloggers. You must be able to have product mailed to a mailing address other than a P.O. Box and must have a valid e-mail address that I do not have to look high and low for.  Good luck!


MANDY: Visit Tropical Traditions on FACEBOOK and like (friend) them.  Leave me your FB friend first name and last initial in your comment! (Ex: Helena.L)

Other Entries:

• Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter and tweet this--- "Fight Frizz! #Win @TropTraditions Virgin Coconut Oil Hair Treatment! http://tiny.cc/rk1no #Giveaway Ends 8/12 "  (Can be done 1x daily for 1 entry each) Leave your tweet status!

• Read my Review here and leave a comment.  Come back and let me know you did!  (3 entries) 

• Grab my AGalNeeds...button on the right sidebar and post it on your blog main page!  (3 entries)

•  Subscribe to my RSS Feed in a Reader of your choice.  (3 entries)

• Blog, Stumble or Facebook about this giveaway and tell me where you did by leaving me the link!  (5 entries each method) 

• Follow me on Twitter! (3 entries) 

This giveaway will close on 8/12/10 at 11:59 pm MST!  Thanks for participating and thanks to Tropical Traditions for the chance to review and host this giveaway!  The opinions in this blog are mine and are honest and candid.  I was provided a product to sample and review!  Winners are chosen with Random.org!  The winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway here on this post!  Check back to see who won!  
 Hugs,

Helena

 

Fighting Frizz Can Be A Whiz! (Review)

I read in one of my magazines that 54% of women got madder at their hair last month than at their partner!  I know, I'm right there with you and probably more so.  I get so dang mad at my hair!  It is so uncooperative.  I'd love to just get out of bed with my hair looking great. I'm lazy that way.  I don't enjoy having to spend more than 5 minutes on that part of grooming.  
 I've spent time in the southern states and there, my hair becomes more curly and frizzy. I am hard pressed to keep it manageable without using some severe restraining methods, like perming it and then styling it to how I want it.  That is damaging! I now live in Utah, a western desert state and while I no longer have a problem with excessive frizziness, it's now dryness that I battle every day.  When I first moved here, it was like my hair had been singed due to heat.  But it was just the dryness sucking all the moisture out of my skin and hair! (I was also thirsty all the time!)  So I look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to help with the problem! 
Having healthy hair can help it be more cooperative and withstand more heat and teasing in the quest to have a beautiful looking do. I've found something that will definitely get your hair more healthy because it delivers what the hair thrives on--protein!  The product is from a company called Tropical Traditions.  Ever heard of it?

I Wish My Hair looked like this when I get out of bed!

Coconut oil has been used for hair treatment in coconut producing countries such as India and the Philippines for thousands of years. Studies in India have been done on how effective various oils are on treating damaged hair. The study compared mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil because these were the three most commonly used oils in hair treatment products used in India. The aim of this study was to cover different treatments, and the effect of these treatments on various hair types using these three oils. Both sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair. This difference in results could arise from the composition of each of these oils. Among three oils, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.

 Tropical Traditions has a Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil specifically For Hair Treatment!  It penetrates the hair shaft to deliver that vital protein so essential to good hair health!  It has a higher protein content than their other Virgin Coconut Oils because it has coconut solids in it. 

 My experience:  I've used this Coconut Oil specifically for my hair and I love how it literally sinks into the hair shaft and keeps it moisturized and manageable.  I feel that my hair is getting healthier and that I won't have to cut it all off because of dryness and damage.  I use it as a pre-wash conditioner and I also use it after I wash my hair, just on the ends to tame the flyaways.  It isn't too oily at all, due to the absorption directly into the hair!  My only suggestion is that I'd like to see more of a practical dispenser for shower and bath.  A wide-mouthed glass jar isn't the most practical for application in the shower or bath.  Other than that, I am most impressed and grateful to have found yet another great product from Tropical Traditions!

(For first time purchasers, please use the referral code 5954910.  You will receive a complimentary copy of the book 'Virgin Coconut Oil:  How It Has Changed People's Lives And How It Can Change Yours' with your purchase.  This book includes over 85 recipes using coconut oil and research showing the health benefits of coconut oil!)
Hugs,

Helena
disclaimer:  I was provided product to give a fair and honest review, which I have done!

Hiking Mt. Timpanogos #BeUtahful

I've been on a little summer hiatus and much needed blogging break...A Gal Needs that once in a while!  The main reasons being that I was completing my last stint with the 2010 Census and being with my two boys, Eddie the Yettie and Sloppy Jo, doing some fun summer activities before Joseph, 13, had to go back to Virginia, where he lives with his Dad.  I so much miss them and their antics already, but also, glad to get back to blogging, which is a comfort to me, and helps to soothe my achy breaky heart when they are away. 

Thanks so much for sticking with me through this break.

These boys of mine have the closest relationship of any two brothers I know.  Sometimes I get a little bit envious of how close they are.  But not really.  I want them to be able to continue seeing one another and associating with each other long after I am no longer able to be with them.  The last day they were here together they hiked to the top of Mt. Timpanogos, a 19 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about a mile.  Here are some great pics they took on this incredible journey. They even got shots of the elusive mountain goats that wander around up there. I don't think I would have made it, although I'd like to try later on in the summer.  A daunting task, to be sure!  They had to bring a young woman down with a broken ankle.  We were there at the trailhead to meet the boys and saw the rescue squad packing her down on a stretcher. I really don't want to end up like that if I make an attempt....Hugs,  Helena